Tributes are pouring in for a parish councillor who has died after being gunned down outside his home. 

Children's author and artist Cllr James Nash, 42, died at Southampton General Hospital today (Friday, August 7), according to his family.

Police said James was shot in the head during an incident on MacCallum Road in Upper Enham on Wednesday afternoon.

The shooter was identified by police as 34-year-old Alex Sartain, a local man who worked in a motorcycle garage close to James' detached cottage. 

Alex fled the scene on his Yamaha motorbike, as witnesses watched him race through the usually peaceful village at "100mph". 

He crashed a short distance away from the shooting on the A343 and died at the scene.

Following the confirmation that James had passed away in hospital this afternoon, his mother Gillian thanked well-wishers for their comments and said: "We will never forget this evil."

“Thank you very much for your comments. Very sadly I have to tell you that James Nash died of his brutal injuries today. 

“His father, his sister and I are in a total state of shock and grief. 

“We have lost a beautiful, talented son and brother and I know all who knew him would say he was the kindest, most caring person."

Basingstoke Gazette: Cllr James NashCllr James Nash

Responding to one woman expressing her condolences, Gillian added: "We will never come to terms with this evil." 

Tonight leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North, has paid tribute to a man he described as "kind-hearted" and "talented".

The council leader said: "This is such devastating news, not just for his family and friends, who will obviously miss him terribly but for the whole community of Enham Alamein where he was public representative.

"I knew James well and worked with him on a number of projects. He was such a kind-hearted individual and a proactive parish councillor who cared deeply for his community.

"As a talented children's author and illustrated, I was extremely touched last year when one of the dedications in his latest book was to my new born daughter Eleanor-Ivy Mae. We will always treasure our copy.

Cllr North added: "I'm sure there will be many more tributes to James in the coming days and weeks and in time, an opportunity for the community to come together with his family to consider some form of lasting memorial to his life.

"My thoughts tonight though are with James' family and friends and the people of Enham Alamein."

Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, has paid his respects to James and his family.

Writing tonight, Mr Malthouse said: "Tragic and profoundly sad news following a terrible event that has shocked the entire community. James’s family will be devastated and they are in all our thoughts tonight.

"I know that Hampshire police are working flat out to try and understand what could have sparked this appalling chain of events, and I am grateful for their sensitive and professional handling of this deeply distressing situation.

"James will be deeply missed by his community and the terrible manner of his death will be seared in the memory of everyone in the area. May he Rest In Peace."